Fuel efficiency took precedence over fun today at the Mini stand. We're sure the Europeans who buy the Mini One (95 hp, 103 lb-ft) and Mini Cooper D (the first new-gen diesel Mini -- 110 hp, 177 lb-ft) will indeed declare them fun, not to mention amazingly fuel-efficient. The Cooper D gets up to 64 mpg. But can you really call these cars fun when they're sharing booth space with a John Cooper Works Mini?
Through the press conference, Dr. Michael Ganal, a member of BMW AG's board of management, never said a word about the company's third world premiere in Geneva: the return of the John Cooper Works option kit for the Cooper S hatchback. In fact, it took our run-of-the-mill sleuthing skills to uncover the happy red hatchback in the back corner of the Mini booth.
Available as a mid-year '07 option for the redesigned hatch, the Cooper Works treatment once again provides more juice where it's needed. Horsepower goes from 172 to 189, while torque goes from 177 to 189 lb-ft (with 199 lb-ft available for short durations via overboost).
In addition, JCW Minis get firmer suspension tuning, perforated front brake discs and a lovely set of lightweight 18-inch wheels. Tires are run-flats, of course, sized 205/40.
Alcantara-upholstered sport seats like these in the stage car are available as an option, and we'd be inclined to check off those spiffy checkerboard footwells, too. Look closely and you'll see there's also a suede treatment on the steering wheel as well, which reminds us of the previous-gen 3 Series Performance Package.
On a cosmetic level, the Cooper Works lower body kit strikes us as tasteful and cool, while the rear roof spoiler strikes us as anything but -- good thing it's optional. --Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor
SubyTrojan says:
07:02 PM, 03/ 6/07
Whoomp! There it (JCW Mini) is?
Even though the rear spoiler isn't tasteful/cool, do you think it creates any considerable amount of downforce (unlikely in a day in age when most spoilers are for aesthetics)?
I'm sure you all are having a great time out there!
blueguydotcom says:
10:20 PM, 03/ 6/07
Just drove an 07 mini cooper S two weeks ago. Fun car but the torque steer was pretty evident. This kit probably will make that a tad worse?
donracine says:
10:20 PM, 03/ 6/07
Why trade up in years and down in performance. The first generation Cooper S can still have more HP than the latest JCW MINI. The Stage 2 kit from Mini Mania bumps the Horsepower 25% to an astounding 210+HP. Mini Mania has 32 years of experience racing and tuning the Mini and has developed this kit for everyday use. Details can be found at http://new.minimania.com/home.cfm
ateixeira says:
09:23 AM, 03/ 7/07
Tuners will get even more out of the turbo, just wait.
Looks very nice, minus that tacky spoiler. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to remove.
The diesel also sounds good, 64mpg with 177 lb-ft? Not a bad combination.
Resale is good, so I say the opposite, time to trade up!